New Orleans ready to 'party with a purpose' at Essence Fest

Fans will get to hear from first-timers Mariah Carey, Puff Daddy and Jeremih as well as from festival veterans Charlie Wilson, Maxwell, New Edition, Tyrese and Lalah Hathaway — all of whom are scheduled to perform inside the Superdome from Friday through Sunday.

[...] in continuing with its theme to "party with a purpose," organizers have prepared an empowerment experience inside the city's convention center that includes insight into current events, trending concepts in beauty and fashion as well as opportunities for entrepreneurs to get help in growing their own businesses.

The entrepreneur expo will be part of the festival's empowerment sessions that also include demonstrations, author signings, celebrity meet-and-greets and a celebration of gospel talent.

[...] Essence will host a "Day of Service" on Thursday that will see 500 volunteers help clean and paint the Cohen College Prep school in New Orleans' central city.